Author: Editorial Team
RIYADH — Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan received on Wednesday a phone call from Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov. During the call, they discussed the latest developments and theefforts being made to enhance security and stability in the region. Source: Saudi Gazette
AMMAN, 16th April, 2026 (WAM) — The International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced Wednesday that it has reached a staff-level agreement with the Jordanian government on two reviews to support economic reform, enabling the Kingdom to access approximately $200 million. An IMF staff team, led by Cesar Serra, conducted physical and virtual discussions with the Jordanian authorities from 2 to 14 April to perform the fifth review of the economic reform programme supported by the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), which was approved by the IMF Executive Board on 10 January 2024. The mission also conducted the second review of reform measures…
SHARJAH, 14th April, 2026 (WAM) — Sharjah Cyber Security Centre (SCSC), an affiliate of Sharjah Digital Department, organised the “Sharjah Cyber Shield” forum, bringing together senior government officials and experts in cyber security, information technology, and strategic planning. The forum served as a strategic platform to align perspectives and exchange expertise among government entities and specialised partners, while highlighting the latest global trends and best practices in cyber security. Discussions highlighted cyber security as a fundamental pillar for successful digital transformation and the sustainability of government services, as well as a key enabler in protecting the emirate’s digital infrastructure and…
RIYADH — Minister of Justice Walid Al-Samaani said that the new Enforcement Law, approved by the Council of Ministers on Tuesday, provides a more structured and transparent enforcement process. “The new law establishes a balanced approach to the obligations of creditors and debtors, providing clear judicial safeguards while facilitating the effective enforcement of rights. By enhancing mechanisms for asset disclosure and tracing, the law provides a more structured and transparent enforcement process,” he said. Al-Samaani expressed his appreciation to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman following the approval of…
ABU DHABI, 15th April, 2026 (WAM) — The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has announced the entry into force of Cabinet Decision No. (129) of 2025 amending certain provisions of Cabinet Decision No. (40) of 2017 on administrative penalties imposed for violations of tax laws in the UAE, following its effective date on Tuesday, 14th April 2026. The FTA said the amendments aim to support taxpayers, reduce their financial burden and help them comply with tax obligations while regularising their positions. The move is also intended to enhance the UAE’s competitiveness and ease of doing business. The authority added that the…
JEDDAH — A meeting of the Permanent Committee for Hajj and Umrah discussed the readiness of relevant authorities for the Hajj of 2026. The topics of discussions included operational plans, security arrangements at entry points, and progress of development projects in Makkah and the holy sites. Under the directives of Advisor to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Emir of Makkah and Chairman of Central Hajj Committee Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Deputy Emir of Makkah Prince Saud bin Mishaal chaired the meeting. Addressing the meeting, the deputy emir stressed the importance of adhering to the leadership’s directives on early preparation for…
ABU DHABI, 16th April, 2026 (WAM) — The Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi (DGE) has affirmed that investing in human capital is the fundamental pillar for constructing a future-ready, AI-driven government. Dr Abdullah Al Shammari, Executive Director of the National Workforce Enablement Sector, stated that the department is enhancing the national talent ecosystem through the Mawaheb Talent Hub. This integrated model moves beyond traditional recruitment by upskilling national cadres for future requirements and providing high-quality career opportunities through strategic partnerships with major institutions. The hub has implemented several specialised programmes to address labour market gaps, provide career guidance,…
(L-R) Sanjaya Satharasinghe, Architecture Team Lead, Comstor Middle East & Mahmoud Hashem, Architecture Presales Manager, MHD Infotech, Oman. Sanjaya Satharasinghe, Architecture Team Lead, Comstor Middle East and Mahmoud Hashem, Architecture Presales Manager, MHD Infotech, Oman, discuss the digital transformation goals specific to Oman and Cisco support for managing cloud complexity in this exclusive joint interview. The datacenter landscape in the Middle East is evolving rapidly. From your perspective, what is driving this transformation? Sanjaya Satharasinghe: Across the Middle East, we are witnessing an accelerated shift toward digital-first business models. Governments and enterprises are investing heavily in cloud adoption, AI-driven services,…
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Tuesday launched a stinging criticism of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, one of his main European allies, saying they “do not have the same relationship.” The comments came after Meloni called out the president for his attacks on the Pope and declined to get involved in the US war on Iran. “I’m shocked at her. I thought she had courage, but I was wrong,” he said in an interview with Italian daily Corriere della Sera. The interview was published the day after Meloni condemned as “unacceptable” Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo XIV, after the…
RIYADH — The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) warned of continued thunderstorms of varying intensity across most regions of Saudi Arabia until next Sunday. The thunderstorms will be accompanied by active downdrafts stirring up dust and sand, with speeds that may exceed 60 kilometers per hour, along with hail, flash floods, and high waves along the coasts. The NCM said in its weather report that the rainy weather condition will affect the Riyadh region and its governorates with moderate to heavy rainfall. This includes Diriyah, Al-Muzahamiyah, Al-Kharj, Al-Dilam, Al-Hariq, Al-Rayn, Al-Qiddiyah, Rumah, Al-Aflaj, and Hawtat Bani Tamim, in addition to…